Control More Than One Robot

Synthiam ARC (ARC) is a versatile robotics programming and control software designed to manage and operate individual robots. If you need to control more than one robot using a single computer, you can easily achieve this by running multiple instances of Synthiam ARC simultaneously. Each instance will be dedicated to controlling a specific robot. This support document provides a step-by-step guide on how to run multiple ARC instances to control multiple robots efficiently.

Prerequisites:

Before proceeding with running multiple ARC instances, ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the software. Each instance of ARC will consume additional system resources, so it's essential to have a computer with sufficient processing power, memory, and storage.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Install Synthiam ARC:

If you haven't already installed Synthiam ARC on your computer, download and install the latest version from the official website  

2. Connect the Robots:

Ensure that each robot you want to control is connected to your computer using the appropriate communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, etc.). Verify that each robot is properly recognized and controllable within a single instance of ARC.

3. Launch Multiple Instances of Synthiam ARC:

To run multiple ARC instances, follow these steps:

   a. After installing ARC, locate the Synthiam ARC icon on your desktop or in the Start menu.

   b. Double-click on the Synthiam ARC icon to launch the first instance of the software.

   c. To launch another instance for controlling another robot, simply double-click the Synthiam ARC icon again. This action will open a new, separate instance of ARC, independent of the first one.

   d. Repeat the previous step to launch as many instances of ARC as there are robots you wish to control.

4. Configure Each ARC Instance:

Upon launching each ARC instance, you will have a dedicated environment to control a specific robot. Customize each instance as required, adding the appropriate robot connection and control configurations.

Tips for Smooth Operation:

1. System Resources: Running multiple instances of ARC will consume additional system resources, especially CPU and memory. Ensure your computer can handle the load of controlling multiple robots simultaneously.

2. Robot Identification: To avoid confusion, name each instance or robot appropriately within ARC to distinguish between different robots.

3. Window Management: Arrange the ARC windows on your computer screen to avoid overlap and ensure efficient monitoring and control of each robot.

4. Consider Multitasking: When running multiple ARC instances, be mindful of multitasking. Avoid running other resource-intensive applications simultaneously to maintain smooth performance.

Conclusion:

By following this straightforward guide, you can effectively control multiple robots using separate instances of Synthiam ARC on a single computer. Running individual ARC instances allows you to have dedicated control over each robot, facilitating efficient and streamlined robotic programming and operation. Enjoy exploring the endless possibilities of robotics with Synthiam ARC! If you encounter any issues or have further questions, please refer to the official Synthiam support resources or community forums for assistance.